Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Best of the West

Annie West is one of our lair favorites and I'm delighted to have her back again to talk about not just one, but TWO new releases. Oh, lucky Romancelandia!

PRINCE OF SCANDAL is a luscious royal romance with touches of Pygmalion - you'll love these two characters right from their first meeting which is an absolute doozy.

RAFE'S REDEMPTION was originally published in the U.K. as THE BILLIONAIRE'S BOUGHT MISTRESS. It's one of Annie's sexiest and most compelling love stories, full of drama and emotion.

You can find out more about Annie and her wonderful books on her website: www.annie-west.com And don't forget if you click on the covers, it takes you right to Amazon. We make it so easy for our Bandita Buddies!

Annie has very generously offered two prizes today so two lucky commenters will win either RAFE'S REDEMPTION or PRINCE OF SCANDAL. Good luck!

So without more ado, here's ANNIE!!!!Annie, delighted to have you as my guest again on the Romance Bandits.

You’ve been really busy lately with not one, but TWO U.S. releases in the last few weeks. Let’s start with your wonderful PRINCE OF SCANDAL featuring the gorgeous and very tortured Prince Raul (that’s RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROWL to any red-blooded woman). Can you tell us about this story?

Hi Anna, it’s fantastic to be here with the Banditas again. Thanks for slipping me into the packed schedule! Waving here to all the Banditas and guests. I feel I’ve been missing in action for a while due to a recent tough schedule and severely limited time online (advice to all other computer users – NEVER neglect a back problem – it won’t magically fix itself, as I’m learning to my cost).

Ooh Anna, I’m so pleased you like Raul (I can hear that RRRRROWL from here!). But of course, as he’s tortured he’s right up your alley. I know you have a fondness for wounded heroes. I suspected you’d like him even while he gave me a difficult time as I wrote. What is it with princes wanting things to go their own way?

Ahem, OK – that question again? Well, no prizes for guessing it’s a royal story. Plus it’s a Marriage of Convenience story (no, I wasn’t ticking off themes – it’s just the way the story worked out). Take one serious, and seriously gorgeous prince who must marry (not just anyone but the woman specified in a dynastic marriage contract) before he can inherit the throne he’s spent his whole life preparing for. Ensure his past and present circumstances make it imperative he do his duty by inheriting. Mix with an independent business woman who wants nothing to do with her mother’s long lost aristocratic family or the perks of royalty (she’d seen the negative side of that world of privilege and position as a kid). Stand back and enjoy the sparks.

I have to admit (and Anna will bear me out on this) that I snickered with anticipation over this story from the moment I imagined Raul and Luisa meeting on her farm. He’s all Armani tailoring, serious shoulders and lean, dark looks. Luisa’s in dungarees, a battered hat and head to toe mud after an altercation between a cow and a flooded creek. He’s expecting a princess. She doesn’t own a dress. He’s come looking for his bride to be, expecting excitement and gratitude. Being ordered off the property comes as something of a shock. But being a true alpha hero he recovers quickly and sets about getting what he wants.

There’s a touch of Cinderella to the story but Luisa isn’t a woman to be ‘made over’ and quietly defer to other people’s expectations of how she should look and behave. That was part of the fun of this story – watching Luisa do things her way, not taking the tried and true route expected of her. She takes the wind out of Raul’s sails more than once, which is fair since he plays havoc with her expectations of a buttoned up royal. She’s never sure what to expect next. There’s a fair bit of sizzle in this story and reader feedback so far has been very nice indeed.

I'm not surprised. It's a brilliant classic love story. American readers have a bonus Annie West available now in your wonderful RAFE’S REDEMPTION which was originally released as THE BILLIONAIRE’S BOUGHT MISTRESS. Can you tell us about this story?

Oh, I’m so very pleased Rafe and Antonia are finally crossing the Atlantic to visit North America. This book was written in response to a request from my editor for a three story anthology to showcase new authors. It was one of my favorites to write – it kept me on the edge of me seat all the way through – I think that’s a good thing. Speaking of sizzle, this one has it in spades. It’s available now from the eHarlequin site but don’t look for it in other bookstores as it’s a limited release.

Rafe Benton is planning revenge against the man he’s grown up hating – his estranged father. He will do whatever it takes to succeed, including using a stranger as a pawn in his plans. He sees Antonia as his father’s latest favorite and decides to steal her from under his nose, flaunting her as his mistress while he brings down his father’s business empire. Antonia is between a rock and a hard place, not because of what she’s done, but because of her beloved, recently dead father. Why else would she even consider accepting a position as a rich man’s mistress? It’s a story about redemption and the power of love.

This book was a real challenge to write and I’m so glad I did. The clash between these two is so strong, as are their feelings. Frankly I was a little scared about whether I could do Antonia justice as it would be too easy to write her into a situation where she was simply a victim. I needn’t have worried though as I discovered the more difficult her position the stronger she grew, finding new and inventive ways to assert her independence even when Rafe thought he was the one in control. It’s had a few reviews already including “Sizzling, emotional and poignant…” Pink Heart Society (5 stars) and "will keep you turning the pages late into the night with its captivating blend of drama, passion, intrigue and romance”(CataRomance 4.5 stars).

Congratulations on the wonderful reviews. It has to be asked – what is it with you and heroes whose names start with ‘R’? Was your first boyfriend a Rasputin or a Rattlepate?

If only my first boyfriend had been anything like so interesting! No, I wasn’t going through an R phase. The books were written a couple of years apart so it’s coincidence. But I do like R, I have to say. Just think about Rupert Carsington or RRRRichard Armitage.

What's next for you?

I’m putting the finishing touches (fingers crossed) to what I hope will be my first Beauty and the Beast story. In the meantime, my next release is for those who enjoy a sultry hot sheikh romance. GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT begins with my heroine being given as an unwilling sex slave to a visiting prince. Again, Anna will confirm I couldn’t wait to get started on that one – it was a treat to write.

I don’t know when the North American release will be but I’ve seen the UK edition (it’s out in September) and the cover is my fave so far. Here’s a link if you want to check it out. My next American release is THE SAVAKIS MERGER in November – about a clash between two very passionate Greek lovers. The opening scene from this story is one my writing group will never let me forget (in a good way!).

Ooh, I remember that steamy opening scene! A little bird (well, you, actually!) tells me you’re about to embark on another wonderful European trip. Given the last one inspired your beautiful fairytale romancesPROTECTED BY THE PRINCE and PRINCE OF SCANDAL, we avidly await the fruits of the inspiration you’ll find from your journeyings. Can you tell us about your travel plans?

Try to stop me, Anna! We’re away a little over a month. During that time I’ll be in London catching up with my editor and some other authors (can’t wait!). I’m hoping for time to visit the Faberge collection at Buckingham Palace as well as see some other sights. There’ll be a week in a tiny Parisian apartment with, I hope, lots of strolling and window shopping and café sitting while I people watch. Did I mention tasting the marvellous food and wine? A short stay in the Loire Valley learning about Chateaux, a longer stay in the Dordogne which I think will be a real highlight, and a quick visit to Germany where my daughter will be studying. Jealous yet? Yes, I’m already thinking of using some of this in an upcoming story or two. How could I not be inspired?

Ooh, I'm envious! Have a wonderful time. So do you have a question for the Bandits and Bandita Buddies?

Thanks so much, Anna. I’m looking forward to chatting with everyone.

I’m giving away two books so maybe I should combine two questions to give people a chance to win.

Since I’ve been spending so much time lately thinking about fantastic heroes, and just a little time looking forward to my next vacation, how about telling me your perfect match – who you’d feature as the hero of your perfect romance and where they’d be.

Since the letter R was mentioned I’ll venture an example – Anna’s personal fave, RRRichard Armitage in a castle in Romania, surrounded of course by dark woods that harbour wolves and at least one daredevil heroine. Of course it would have to be a gothic romance.

How about you? What combination of hero and location match. Of course you can throw in the heroine too if you like.A signed copy of PRINCE OF SCANDAL and a signed copy of RAFE'S REDEMPTION are up for grabs today. So let's get this party started!

Annie!!!!!! So great to have you here in the lair. Anna, thank you for kidnapping Annie today.

I'm thrilled to see your books doing so wonderfully well, Annie. Rrrrraul was to die for! I loved the first meet with her all messy--he's not even sure she's female! And he's so tailored and GQ. What a setup!

Oh, and I'm chartreuse with envy over your forthcoming European adventure. Faberge! Sigh! Paris! Double sigh! I'm sure it will be perfect book fodder.

Hmm, this hero/location thing sounds a bit like Cluedo! I'll take Rrrrufus Sewell with a rrrrope in the rrrefectory... Oh, no, that's sound a little Rrrrr Rated!

Oh, how I love a man in Armani! That's enough to make me want to read the book. I love forced marriage and secret baby stories.

I've got a major crush on David Gandy, the Dolce & Gabanna model. With him as the hero, he and my heroine are alone in an elevator on the way up to a fabulous hotel suite. He's in a D&G suit looking properly sulky and sexy. And after she checks out the Jo Malone goodies in the bathroom of their suite, she demands to see the D&G logo on his undies. (I should be blushing, but I'm NOT.) :)

Jen, you introduced me to David Gandy - hubba, hubba. I love how he's not a pretty boy like a lot of male models. There's real strength in his face, isn't there? Not to mention in that bod! You'll love both Annie's latest!

My hero (for this moment anyway) would be Rhys and he'd be from England, but the story would take place in Sydney, Australia, mid to late 1800's. There would be lots of sun, lots of sand, and oh yeah, what's that other "s" word? I remember now SEX!

Waving hi to you in sultry Hawaii. I'm listening to the rain pour down here in a deluge so believe me, your idea of a hero - Alex, on a beach at sunset (I'm assuming it's a clear, balmy day too) sounds just perfect.

Anna, I know Harlequin gets comments about some of its titles, but 'Chook of Scandal'? I think not, dear. Though I must admit I'm chuckling at the idea of a fowl story with an historical theme - I can just see the GR strutting his stuff in boots and a jacket by Weston.

Well, of course I'll have a croissant or two. I friend (I wonder who that could be?) gave me a marvellous birthday gift outlining walks in Paris. To my delight there are as many food 'must dos' as there are historical sights. Love it! 'Walk down Boulevard x, noting the elegant buildings on the right, then stop at Cafe Y for its specialty dish, then just around the corner is the best chocolate shop in Paris, etc..." My sort of travel guide and I can pretend I'm being healthy by walking.

Thanks for the good wishes on the back. That's why I wasn't here at first - had an appointment that I hope will help me.

I'm glad you like the cover of Girl in the Bedouin Tent. I really think it's my fave cover so far of all my books. I smile whenever I see it. Isn't it nice when the cover gods (or the art department) smiles on you?

Love the idea of a cowboy in the big city. That could be such a fun story. Reminds me of my dim memories of the TV show, 'McCloud'. I just remember the drawl and the hat and the stunned city slickers. Fish out of water stories are such fun. That's one of the reasons I so enjoyed writing Luisa and Raul. At first glance they seem mismatched - till they learnt to look beneath the surface.

Cheryl, I just saw that you've preordered Cassie and Amir's story. I KNEW it was a great cover! I'm so eager to get my hands on my own copy of that one - it just looks so delectable, and it's a book I have particularly fond memories of writing (some seem to write easier than others). Hope you enjoy it.

Hi Christina, thanks for the warm welcome. I'm chomping at the bit in eagerness to read your new book - the snippets I've read are just terrific.

How lovely that you enjoyed RRRRaul, and that first meet scene. Actually I was channelling Clive Owen in Armani when I wrote that. Sigh.

LOVE the idea of Rufus S in the refectory. Not completely sure about the rope but on the other hand, there are intriguing possibilities. Argh - enough! I've just written a story about a heroine who finds herself chained to a tent post. That's enough for now. I'll take Rufus minus the rope.

I had to go and look up David Gandy. Now that was a worthwhile exercise! Thank you.

Sounds like you're onto something with that particular fantasy. Let me know when it's written and I'll grab a copy. At least they made it to the hotel suite where she could check out the goodies. I thought they mightn't even make it that far. (You can see Anna C has had a terrible influence on me).

Marie, sun, sand and sex with Rhys in the 1800s? I can see the appeal. Or Richard Gere for that matter. I've always loved his eyes. I wonder if they're as compelling in real life? Actually your hero doesn't have to be an R man, but you've picked well!

Anna - as for Bonding in Bondi - Why not? or perhaps Canoodling in Canowindra or Cuddling in Coogee. Goodness knows what you could get up to in Woolloomooloo.

Marybelle, I adore the strong silent types. The laconic ones whose words are worth waiting for. What a great call, and an outback setting always goes down well. Yep, you gave yourself away with the jackaroo comment. Waving to another Aussie.

I'm with you on not wanting a tame heroine. Unless it's a heroine who seems tame but is full of surprises.

Anna, great casting - Hugh J as a jackaroo. I have fond memories of him as a long distance truckie driving a road train through central Australia while writing a romance novel along the way (Paperback Hero I think was the title).

Anna, I think your rooster would give any hero a run for his money! However, I think I'll stick to guys who don't have feathers.

By the way, thank you again for the lovely RRRousing welcome to the bandita lair. It's always a hoot being interviewed by you - and painless too! And did I say I loved the pictures. We really do have a fantastic time when we get together - I smiled at the first shot, of me holding up an article about your books. From memory you were threatening not to let me eat breakfast till I'd smiled for the camera. So distressing when there was a feast of smoked salmon on the table.

Hi Anna and Annie.... I have read Prince of Scandal..enjoyed that....will have to look out for Rafes RedemptionMy fave would be Pierce Brosnan on a Greek Island....doesn't matter that he can't sing to well ....LOL

Whoo Hoo Annie West is in the lair let the party begin Anna thanks for inviting Annie back.

I gotta say I have read all of your books Annie and WOW I have loved them all love your heroes and heroines they always grab me and take me on fantastic adventures LOL.

The holiday sounds awesome have a fantastic time (I know you will) I look forward to seeing the pictures and reading another book inspired by the trip.

I am also looking forward to Girl In The Bedouin Tent sounds like a great one.

Don't enter me in the contest as I already have all of your books, but for me it would be Hugh in a hot spring perhaps in the Highlands of Scotland not sure if they have them there but I can fantasize LOL

It's great to see you here. Thanks for the party atmosphere. Makes me want to crack open a bottle of bubbly. Thanks for the lovely comments about my stories. Hope you enjoy 'Girl in the Bedouin Tent' when it comes out. Nothing quite like an enticing sheikh is there.

Love your idea of Hugh in a hot spring. Sigh. In Scotland? Triple whammy. Who cares if there are really hot springs there. That's what imaginations are for. I'm right there with you, believe me.

Annie (((hugs))) on your back problem! Our bodies do have a way of paying out if we don't heed the warning signs!

No need to put me in the draw for these books - I have both on my keeper shelf! You know how fond I am of Luisa and her gumboots!

As for heroes on location... I can feel a bad alliteration coming on (it's your own fault with those RRRRRRs and Richard in Romania!)... how about Hugh J on a Hawaiian honeymoon...LOLokay, I'll go now!;)Sharon

What a wonderful interview, Annie and Anna--I so enjoyed it. Reading about three Annie West stories had me fanning myself at all that wonderful passion and power Annie writes so brilliantly.Annie, your trip sounds perfect--enjoy every minute. I'm sure you will come back fired up with ideas for more wonderful stories. Ahh, Paris!

YAY !!! Two of my favorite people doing an interview in the Lair! I would say I can't wait to tell Mom about your latest books, Annie, but we both know she is probably trolling the bookstores for them as we speak! But, I can't wait to tell her you have another Sheik coming out! Between you and the lovely Olivia Gates (snagged a signed copy of her latest for Mom at RWA) Mom spends quite a bit of time with royalty and sheiks!

If La Campbell INSISTS on hoarding Richard Armitage all to herself I will have to settle for Gerard Butler and a trip to Italy to visit Pompeii and get all sorts of ideas from those naughty House of Vettii frescoes.

I have to say that I like the idea of Christian Bale on a cruise in the Caribbean. :D

And I wouldn't mind Richard Armitage in a castle in Romania, since that's where I live lol (except for the castle lol). The closer he is to me, the better. But once I get my hands on him, trust me that you will never get him back! :P

Well, in a gothic mood, I want a Severus Snape like hero with a castle and lots of secrets.

If I'm in a Beach Mood, I prefer heroes who are charming swashbucklers with a dark secret. :) Then we get into a madcap rom-com where we're running for our lives...or finding treasure or both! The hero will look something like Matthew McCaughahey.

Barb, I've had a crush on Pierce forever - right back when he was really young and turned up in a couple of BBC shows before he went to America. Definitely think he's a great choice! Glad you loved Prince of Scandal!

Anna, sadly I think Errol Flynn anywhere pretty much described his love life! Mind you, he sure could wear a pair of tights and I love that roguish glint in his eyes! Robin Hood is playing on cable here at the moment and I looked at him and thought, wow, that's a fine-lookin' drink of water!

Helly, put down that copy of Jane Eyre and step away with your hands in the air and everybody leaves here unharmed. That's right, nice and slow, nice and slow, ma'am. I hate to see a girl waving a .33 calibre Rochester around. People can lose an eye that way!

Love the sound of your romantic theme. My mind immediately went for some reason to one of the characters in Last of the Mohicans - Eric Schweig playing Uncas. Now there was strong and silent and very appealing!

Thanks so much - it would be lovely to catch up. At the moment our stay there is pretty well crammed but you never know. What started out looking like a leisurely stay has turned into something planned to the nth degree. Paris will be a great rest afterwards. Well, not a rest, but relaxing.

Love the sound of Cary Grant in the Caribbean. In fact I'd enjoy Cary Grant anywhere. He had such charm and charisma and was so good at that twinkle in the eye good humour. Errol Flynn? Now he's an intriguing choice - definitely a charmer (and an Aussie too!). Thanks for playing.

It's great to see you here. Thanks for the warm welcome. Please say hi to your mum for me. You've made me grin (a feat since I'm currently sitting with an ice pack on a very cold morning) at the notion of her prowling the shops for my latest.

I think between us we could pry Richard from Anna's arms. She only thinks she has a monopoly on him. But Gerard Butler in Pompeii sounds such an intriguing combination. You've got me hooked there.

Thanks for the congratulations. It is very exciting to have these books out now.

Wow, living in Romania sounds very exotic from here. Not as quite as exotic as having RRRichard staying in your own private castle (sigh) but fascinating. My son is enthralled by the place and keeps telling me snippets of information about it. I'm assuming he'll visit there one day and I'll learn a lot more.

Excuse me, but my RRRRRRRichard is a very willing captive and he told you, Miss Annie, that he's VERY happy in my arms. Mind you, I was waving a loaded Rochester at him at the time but I'm sure he would have said that anyway.

I'm a sucker for Snape. Could it be that lovely, rich voice? The dark secrets and the heavily cloaked nobility of character? I'm with you all the way on that gothic style theme with a castle and lots of secrets. Some of the first romances I read were gothic in style and I just soaked them up.

Love the swashbucklers with secrets too. That was another type of hero I bonded with early - the adventurer, energetic, always in trouble and preferably with a lovely sly wit.

Hi Donna, I'm so glad you like the sound of Prince of Scandal. I have to say that when I got my copies and opened the front I started smiling as I sank into the story again. I hope readers like it as much as I do.

As for the trip - yes, it should be wonderful. I love the fact that it's a mix of places we know and seeing friends in a couple of locations and then visiting places we've never been before. So exciting.

Anna - Hugh in a grass skirt, playing a ukelele? Where do you get these ideas? Surely he'd be in board shorts and bare chested, possibly striding up the beach after surfing, with the water dripping down his chest.

Actually, Anna, I was half serious about a honeymoon gone wrong plot. What about a bride discovering immediately after the wedding that her husband wasn't the man she thought she was? (and no, I don't mean in bed - I can hear your snorts of laughter from here).That sounds like an intriguing start.

Sorry, but when it comes to jackaroos, I'm stuck with one man and one name and it isn't Hugh, although, I'd let him eat crackers in my bed also. My main jackaroo is Aaron Jefferies. Be still my heart! Now he's a MAN, warts (no pun or insult intended) and all. And OMH his jeans!!!! Oh what I wouldn't give to peel those babies off him!!! (Yes Anna, I know Aussie tv! Live for it and have all EIGHT seasons of McLeod's on dvd which I've watched oh, about a 100 times already. :) )

Karyn, Richard Armitage with a beard? Could it be? I have to check this out.

Actually, Richard Armitage in a kilt would be fun. Oh dear - that's mixing Richard and Scotland two of Anna's fave things - imagine how possessive she'd get about that combo!

Didn't he make a terrifically brooding Victorian hunk. That kiss on the station just made me melt. I think you're a woman of discernment. Actually, all of you are. I'm really enjoying these suggestions.

Now that's sheer greed - Aaron J and Hugh J eating crackers in your bed! Or was than an either/or? Good call. Smiling here at you watching all those reruns of McLeod's. No wonder you appreciate those jeans of his.

Anna, I think if I was writing a honeymoon story I'd avoid the tent. I know Amir has a wonderful, luxurious tent with a very wide bed but somehow I envisaged something a little more substantial than canvas walls for the honeymoon. Though, now I think about it, a tent in a secluded spot with the right man might be perfect.

Anna, I couldn't quite work that one out since he has a false beard for his role in The Hobbit. Maybe it was just the freedom that he could grow one anyway since he wasn't filming something where he needed to be clean shaven.

Just curious here - no one has mentioned a city location that I can recall. Do we all like our dream heroes in the outdoors, or is that that we're imagining them somewhere secuded so we have them to ourselves?

Hey, people, I'm off to do a talk to a charity lunch about the joys of romance writing (actually free lunches definitely count among those joys!). I'll be back in a couple of hours. Annie, thanks for being such a fabulous guest. I've had such fun with everybody's fantasy life!

How about a setting around Lucerne Switzerland. It's a beautiful city with a lake & surrounded by mountains. We went up a funicular to the mountain top which still had snow in summer, then half way down walked across an alpine meadow to a lodge for lunch in the fresh mountain air. Lets imagine Gerard Butler as the hero.

Oh, Di, what a lovely part of the world. Was it Mt Pilatus you went up? I think that trip is just gorgeous. And Gerard B too? Sounds good to me. Now to work out why he'd be in an alpine meadow in summer and what sort of story it would be. Intriguing! Thank you.

It's never too late to drop by, especially if you're going to find a new location for Hugh to be gorgeous in. Norman England, eh? Sounds very appealing. I have a sudden yearning for a historical romance read.

Actually, I see it's getting very late there, so I'll take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who's popped by and left a comment. As always it's been a real treat visiting the lair. I'm having a very merry time imagining all these wonderful new ideas for heroes in romantic settings.

Nancy, I had to laugh. I had a Jamie Fraser moment like Annie did a while ago. I'm thinking - who's that hunk called Norman England? I've never heard of him. Perhaps he's in one of the new superhero films!

Anna/Annie, if we really need an "R" name, Aaron's name on MD was Alex RYAN, does that count? I don't think first or last name "R"s were specified. And yes, I admit it, I am a secret Aussie. LOVE almost everything from Down Under. Another non-R peson, but an Aussie would be Erik Thomson (I think that's how his name is spelled, from PACKED TO THE RAFTERS/PTTR)...oh my. You sure know how to make 'em down there is all I can say!

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September Releases

Still Available

Headlines

Donna MacMeans, Trish Milburn, and Nancy Northcott will all be in Atlanta for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference in Decatur, Georgia September 30 through October 2nd. If you're in the area, stop by for the booksigning. We'd love to see you.

Redeeming the Rogue by Donna MacMeans received a 4.5 star TOP PICK! review from Romantic Times Magazine.

Living in Color by Trish Milburn is now available on Kindle, Smashwords and at barnesandnoble.com for the Nook.